Tag Archives: #defy

DIVING INTO THE EXTREME END: ZENITH UNVEILS THE DEFY EXTREME DIVER ALONGSIDE THE DEFY REVIVAL A3648

Posted on by
Reply

Since its inception in 1969, the ZENITH DEFY line of wristwatches has been all about steadfast reliability and ruggedness. Throughout the years, the DEFY has taken on many iterations with purpose-built features and designs. From the highest peaks to the wildest terrains, ZENITH is now taking the collection back to the deepest depths with the new DEFY Extreme Diver, as well as a remake of one of the most sought-after vintage ZENITH diver’s watches, the DEFY Revival A3648.

With a legacy going as far back as 1969, the DEFY Diver was in fact among the earliest DEFY wristwatch offerings. Keeping the collection’s distinctive design with its signature angular case and dodecagonal bezel, ZENITH incorporated all the necessary elements to create a diver’s watch, including a rotating bezel and bright colour accents for instant readability underwater. With the same ethos of combining form and function for a specific purpose, ZENITH is now unveiling a modern diver’s watch inspired by both historical DEFY diver’s references as well as the modern incarnation of the DEFY line, notably the DEFY Extreme. The result is a feature-packed diver’s watch that is obviously and inherently a ZENITH DEFY, built to withstand the extreme conditions encountered in the harshest environments where ice, mist and deep dark waters require enhanced performance and legibility.

DEFY Extreme Diver

While inspired by a long line of DEFY divers from 1969 onwards, the DEFY Extreme Diver is as modern as they come. Its singular and highly intricate design serve to enhance its depth-defying performance, which was conceived to take on extreme conditions where ice, water and mist present a host of challenges. Its 42.5mm angular case is crafted in titanium, a metal that not only boasts a significant weight-to-strength ratio but is also highly resistant to corrosion from salty seawater. The case is equipped with a helium escape valve for saturation diving. Above the fixed dodecagonal bezel, the ceramic unidirectional rotating bezel features grooved edges for a better grip when operating – even with gloves on. The bezel is engraved and filled with Super-LumiNova and bright colours for effortless reading underwater where light is scarce.

The oversized screw-down crown feature is protected by titanium crown-guards on either side. Just like the historical DEFY A3648 from 1969, the DEFY Extreme Diver is rated to 600 metres (60 ATM) of water-resistance, which happens to be 1’969 feet – a symbolic number for the DEFY diver. It meets the ISO 6425 requirements for professional diver watches, which include ISO 764 for paramagnetism as well as ISO 1413 for shock-resistance, making it a comprehensive diver’s watch suited to the most demanding conditions.

Something of a signature in the contemporary DEFY line, the dial features a geometric pattern of engraved four-pointed stars. Available in black and blue with matching ceramic bezels, the metallic dials feature a sunburst finish, with rays emanating from the applied ZENITH star at 12 o’clock. The date at 3 o’clock is colour-matched to the dial.

Legibility is a key factor in the DEFY Extreme Diver – and it shows. The dial’s oversized hands and applied hour markers feature three different pigments of “X1” grade Super-LumiNova with light emissions in blue, green and orange, making it easy to distinguish between the functions (hours, minutes and seconds). The bright orange accents are a nod to historical DEFY diver models.

The DEFY Extreme Diver is powered by the El Primero 3620-SC automatic high-frequency manufacture calibre with 60 hours power reserve, visible through a sapphire display back – an uncommon feature among diver’s watches. This version of El Primero features a paramagnetic escapement with key components in non-metallic silicon.

Completing the DEFY Extreme Diver is its titanium three-link bracelet as well as two supplied straps. The first additional strap is in FKM rubber, matching the dial colour with a Cordura-effect texture that features vents on the side, allowing water to pass through. In line with ZENITH’s HORIZ-ON initiative to reduce the brand’s environmental impact and produce more sustainably, the DEFY Extreme Diver also comes with an extra-long strap made of recycled fishing nets, intended to be worn over a wetsuit. It features specific end-pieces to pass the single-piece strap through and under the case for a secure fit.

The DEFY Extreme Diver with blue and black dials are available from all ZENITH boutiques and authorized retailers around the world.

DEFY Revival A3648

One of the greatest sources of inspiration when creating the DEFY Extreme Diver was the DEFY reference A3648. Originally launched in 1969, it presented an alternative take on ZENITH’s avant-garde and rugged steel bracelet watch with a specific purpose. The A3648 was not only among the earliest DEFY wristwatch models, but also one of the first DEFY diver’s watches. Even by today’s standards, the A3648 boasted incredible performance in a watch that seamlessly merges style and substance.

In ZENITH’s recent tradition of bringing back its most emblematic past references, the DEFY Revival A3648 represents the first time ever that a vintage ZENITH diver’s watch receives the Revival treatment.

A distinctive signature of the original DEFY line, the DEFY Revival A3648 features a highly angular stainless steel case measuring 37mm in diameter. The steel fourteen-sided bezel present in DEFY models from the same era is still present but positioned above the round
rotating bezel. Crafted in steel, the unidirectional rotating bezel features a sapphire crystal insert instead of Plexiglas as in historical models, with the same black on bright orange markings – one of the historical A3648’s most coveted features.

The black and orange theme extends to the dial, where the matte black surface is contrasted with orange hands and minutes track. The hour markers as well as the hands are filled with white Super-LumiNova that emits a bright and long-lasting green glow.

With its screw-down crown at 4 o’clock and a sapphire display back, the DEFY Revival A3648 retains the same depth rating of 600 metres (60 ATM), a considerable feat to have achieved in 1969 and still an impressive rating for such a compact diver’s watch with a sapphire back. A symbolic number for ZENITH, as 600 metres is equal to 1’969 feet – the year the DEFY wristwatch line including the A3648 was launched. The case back offers a view of Elite 670 automatic manufacture movement, with a power reserve of 50 hours.

And just like the original, the DEFY Revival A3648 comes on a five-link steel bracelet with folding buckle, modelled after the bracelet the famed Gay Frères company had made for the historic reference in 1969. The deployant buckle features an expansion to allow the watch to be worn over a wetsuit without having to add or remove additional links.

The DEFY Revival A3648 is available from all ZENITH physical and online boutiques as well as authorized retailers around the world.

ZENITH: TIME TO REACH YOUR STAR.

ZENITH exists to inspire individuals to pursue their dreams and make them come true – against all odds. Since its establishment in 1865, ZENITH became the first vertically integrated Swiss watch manufacture, and its watches have accompanied extraordinary figures that dreamt big and strived to achieve the impossible – from Louis Blériot’s history-making flight across the English Channel to Felix Baumgartner’s record-setting stratospheric free-fall jump. Zenith is also highlighting visionary and trailblazing women by celebrating their accomplishments and creating the DREAMHERS platform where women share their experiences and inspire others to fulfil their dreams.

With innovation as its guiding star, ZENITH exclusively features in-house developed and manufactured movements in all its watches. Since the creation of the El Primero in 1969, the world’s first automatic chronograph calibre, ZENITH has gone on to master high-frequency precision and offers time measurements in fractions of a second, including 1/10th of a second in the Chronomaster collection and 1/100th of a second in the DEFY collection. Because innovation is synonymous with responsibility, the ZENITH HORIZ-ON initiative affirms the brand’s commitments to inclusion & diversity, sustainability and employee wellbeing. ZENITH has been shaping the future of Swiss watchmaking since 1865, accompanying those who dare to challenge themselves and reach new heights. The time to reach your star is now.

DEFY EXTREME DIVER

Reference: 95.9600.3620/21.I300
Key points: New Diver Model. El Primero 3-hand watch. Stop-second mechanism. Black
ceramic unidirectional rotating bezel filled with SuperLuminova. Starry sky pattern on the dial.
Screwed-in crown. Helium valve.600M Water resistance. Full Interchangeable strap system.
Movement: El Primero 3620 SC
Frequency: 36’000 VpH – 5Hz
Power reserve: 60 hours
Functions: Hours & Minutes in the Center. Central second hand. Date at 3 o’clock
Finishes: New star-shaped oscillating weight with satined finishings
Price: 10900 CHF
Case Material: Brushed titanium
Water resistance: 60 ATM
Diameter: 42.5 mm
Thickness: 15.5 mm
Dial: Black-toned sunray-patterned
Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova X1
Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova X1
Crystal: Flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides
Case-back: Transparent sapphire crystal
Bracelet & Buckle: Full interchangeable strap system. 3 straps included: 1 Black Rubber with folding buckle, 1 Black Fabric strap with pin buckle & 1 Metal bracelet with folding clasp

 

DEFY EXTREME DIVER

Reference: 95.9601.3620/51.I301
Key points: New Diver Model. El Primero 3-hand watch. Stop-second mechanism. Blue
ceramic unidirectional rotating bezel filled with SuperLuminova. Starry sky pattern on the dial.
Screwed-in crown. Helium valve. 600M Water resistance. Full Interchangeable strap system.
Movement: El Primero 3620 SC
Frequency: 36’000 VpH – 5Hz
Power reserve: 60 hours
Functions: Hours & Minutes in the Center. Central second hand. Date at 3 o’clock
Finishes: New star-shaped oscillating weight with satined finishings
Price: 10900 CHF
Case Material: Brushed titanium
Water resistance: 60 ATM
Diameter: 42.5 mm
Thickness: 15.5 mm
Dial: Blue-toned sunray-patterned
Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova X1
Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova X1
Crystal: Flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides
Case-back: Transparent sapphire crystal
Bracelet & Buckle: Full interchangeable strap system. 3 straps included: 1 Blue Rubber with folding buckle, 1 Blue Fabric strap with pin buckle & 1 Metal bracelet with folding clasp.

 

DEFY REVIVAL A3648

Reference: 03.A3648.670/21.M3648
Key points: Original Revival of the 1969 Reference A3648. Octogonal case with iconic 14-sided bezel. Steel
unidirectional rotating bezel with orange tinted sapphire insert. Screwed-in crown. 600M Water resistance.
Movement: Elite 670, Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 VpH (4 Hz)
Power reserve: approx. 50 hours
Functions: Hours and minutes in the centre. Central second hand. Date indication at 4:30.
Finishes: Oscillating weight with “Côtes de Genève” motif
Price: 7400 CHF
Case Material: Stainless steel
Water resistance: 60 ATM
Diameter: 37 mm
Thickness: 15.5 mm
Dial: Black & Orange with SLN C1
Hands: Orange painted with SLN C1
Hour markers: White transferred SLN C1
Crystal: Domed sapphire with anti-reflective treatment on both sides
Case-back: Transparent sapphire crystal
Bracelet & Buckle: Metal Bracelet with folding clasp

STELLAR ALIGNMENT: ZENITH INTRODUCES THE LONG-AWAITED DEFY SKYLINE CHRONOGRAPH

Posted on by
Reply

The DEFY Skyline constellation is finally complete. A natural continuation and expansion of ZENITH’s edgy, all-occasions line, the new DEFY Skyline Chronograph offers a new vessel for the Manufacture’s latest iteration of the El Primero automatic high-frequency chronograph calibre, endowed with a 1/10th of a second chronograph function.

Looking back at the legacy of the DEFY collection of wristwatches, there’s a long and enduring tradition of El Primero chronographs within the line from as far back as the early 1970s. A modernistic vessel for a groundbreaking calibre, the DEFY has always been perfectly suited for the El Primero automatic chronograph, whose high-frequency rate allows it to provide unwavering precision – even in highly animated and dynamic situations. With the same penchant for movement and performance in a wide range of settings, the new DEFY Skyline Chronograph is the culmination of over 50 years in elevating the chronograph to new heights.
In essence, it is the DEFY chronograph of the 21st century – and it shows.

Architectural, geometric and intricately faceted, the DEFY Skyline’s 42mm steel case is a modernized take on the earliest DEFY’s octagonal case with a multi-sided bezel. Retaining the same DNA of robustness and durability as its predecessors while bringing an edgier and more contemporary aesthetic and proportions. In the DEFY Skyline Chronograph, the pushers follow the sharply drawn lines of the case, while the screw-down crown emblazoned with the star emblem helps ensure a water-resistance of 100 metres (10ATM).

Available in metallic black, blue or silver, the DEFY Skyline Chronograph’s dial pairs the collection’s signature starry sky-patterned dial featuring engraved four-pointed stars with the traditional El Primero dial configuration. Three slightly oversized and overlapping counters show the elapsed seconds and minutes of the chronograph, as well as the constant running seconds. The date window – matching the colour of the dial – is positioned at 4:30, another El Primero signature. The flange ring with the 1/10th of a second scale has twelve facets, the form of the dodecagonal bezel and serving as extensions of the hour markers.

In an ever-faster moving world, every fraction of a second counts. Just like in the DEFY Skyline automatic model and its skeleton counterpart, ZENITH continues to offer the 1/10th of a second function found, now in the form of a 1/10th of a second chronograph in the DEFY Skyline Chronograph. This mechanical feat is the result of the El Primero 3600 calibre’s high-frequency rate of 5Hz (36’000 vibrations per hour), visible through the display back. Its open star-shaped oscillating weight with bidirectional winding efficiently provides a power reserve of 60 hours.

One of the highlights of the DEFY Skyline is its integrated quick strap-change mechanism integrated directly into the case, allowing for effortless versatility without requiring any tools. With the simple push of a button, the three-link steel bracelet can be swapped with the supplied star-patterned rubber strap with steel folding buckle.

The DEFY Skyline Chronograph is available from all ZENITH boutiques and authorized retailers.

DEFY SKYLINE CHRONOGRAPH

Reference: 03.9500.3600/51.I001

Key points: 1/10th of a second Chronograph movement. Silicon escape-wheel and lever.

Starry sky pattern on the dial. Screwed-in crown. Date indication at 4:30. Full Interchangeable strap system.

Movement: El Primero 3600 automatic

Frequency: 36’000 VpH – 5Hz

Power reserve: approx. 60 hours

Functions: Hours and minutes in the centre. 1/10th of a second Chronograph. Date indication at 4:30 o’clock. Stop-second mechanism.

Finishes: Special oscillating weight with satined finishings

Price: 12’900 CHF

Material: Stainless steel

Water resistance: 10 ATM

Case: 42mm

Dial: Blue-toned sunray-patterned

Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1

Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1

Bracelet & Buckle: Stainless steel bracelet. 2nd bracelet included: blue rubber with stainless steel folding clasp.

 

DEFY SKYLINE CHRONOGRAPH

Reference: 03.9500.3600/01.I001

Key points: 1/10th of a second Chronograph movement. Silicon escape-wheel and lever.

Starry sky pattern on the dial. Screwed-in crown. Date indication at 4:30. Full Interchangeable strap system.

Movement: El Primero 3600 automatic

Frequency: 36’000 VpH – 5Hz

Power reserve: approx. 60 hours

Functions: Hours and minutes in the centre. 1/10th of a second Chronograph.

Date indication at 4:30 o’clock. Stop-second mechanism.

Finishes: Special oscillating weight with satined finishings

Price: 12’900 CHF

Material: Stainless steel

Water resistance: 10 ATM

Case: 42mm

Dial: Silver-toned sunray-patterned

Hour markers: Ruthenium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1

Hands: Ruthenium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1

Bracelet & Buckle: Stainless steel bracelet. 2nd bracelet included: green rubber with stainless steel folding clasp.

DEFY SKYLINE CHRONOGRAPH

Reference: 03.9500.3600/21.I001

Key points: 1/10th of a second Chronograph movement. Silicon escape-wheel and lever.

Starry sky pattern on the dial. Screwed-in crown. Date indication at 4:30.

Full Interchangeable strap system.

Movement: El Primero 3600 automatic

Frequency: 36’000 VpH – 5Hz

Power reserve: approx. 60 hours

Functions: Hours and minutes in the centre. 1/10th of a second Chronograph.

Date indication at 4:30 o’clock. Stop-second mechanism.

Finishes: Special oscillating weight with satined finishings

Price: 12’900 CHF

Material: Stainless steel

Water resistance: 10 ATM

Case: 42mm

Dial: Black-toned sunray-patterned

Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1

Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1

Bracelet & Buckle: Stainless steel bracelet. 2nd bracelet included: black rubber with stainless steel folding clasp

ZENITH: TIME TO REACH YOUR STAR.

ZENITH exists to inspire individuals to pursue their dreams and make them come true – against all odds. Since its establishment in 1865, ZENITH became the first vertically integrated Swiss watch manufacture, and its watches have accompanied extraordinary figures that dreamt big and strived to achieve the impossible – from Louis Blériot’s history-making flight across the English Channel to Felix Baumgartner’s record-setting stratospheric free-fall jump. Zenith is also highlighting visionary and trailblazing women by celebrating their accomplishments and creating the DREAMHERS platform where women share their experiences and inspire others to fulfil their dreams.

With innovation as its guiding star, ZENITH exclusively features in-house developed and manufactured movements in all its watches. Since the creation of the El Primero in 1969, the world’s first automatic chronograph calibre, ZENITH has gone on to master high-frequency precision and offers time measurements in fractions of a second, including 1/10th of a second in the Chronomaster collection and 1/100th of a second in the DEFY collection. Because innovation is synonymous with responsibility, the ZENITH HORIZ-ON initiative affirms the brand’s commitments to inclusion & diversity, sustainability and employee wellbeing. ZENITH has been shaping the future of Swiss watchmaking since 1865, accompanying those who dare to challenge themselves and reach new heights. The time to reach your star is now.

Hidden in plain sight: Zenith Defy Extreme Mirror

Posted on by
Reply

An unexplained watchmaking phenomenon has entered our atmosphere. ZENITH unveils an unprecedented and conceptual take on its staple 1/100th of a second chronograph, reimagined as a mirroring camouflage: Meet the DEFY Extreme Mirror.

The ultimate ultramodern camouflage watch has arrived. A monolithic object that reflects all light and colours – yet has no colours of its own. A form so geometrically outstanding but finished in such a way that it blends right in with its surroundings. An engine that operates at such a high-frequency rate, it’s nothing short of astounding. The DEFY Extreme line is not only inspired by the elements but also built to adapt and blend into them. With the DEFY Extreme Mirror, ZENITH is exploring a totally new expression of its most rugged chronograph to date that seemingly blends reality and our perception of our surroundings.

Shrouded in mystery and intrigue, the DEFY Extreme Mirror evokes some kind of UFO that has masked its arrival on our planet. With its fully mirror-polished metal exterior, the earth, the sky and the entire horizon are reflected without distortion. Paradoxically, the DEFY Extreme Mirror is at once eye-catching and stealthy. It doesn’t attempt to hide in its surroundings but blends in completely by reflecting it entirely from its gleaming surface. The highly angular case, as well as its integrated bracelet, are crafted in stainless steel, which are then immaculately mirror-polished all over for a chrome-like appearance.

 

And it’s not just the case that’s mirrored. The open multi-layered dial features a central element in sapphire crystal with a metallic mirrored finish that’s translucent yet reflective. The 1/100th of a second chronograph scale features satin-brushed metallic elements, keeping the dial easy to read while maintaining the fluid, all-metal theme.

Partially visible through the open dial as well as the sapphire case back is the world’s fastest automatic high-frequency chronograph calibre in production, offering 1/100th of a second time measurements by means of two independent escapements beating at the rates of 5Hz (36’000 VpH) for the timekeeping part and 50Hz (360’000 VpH) for the chronograph function. For the DEFY Extreme Mirror, the star-shaped winding rotor is finished in a silvery-grey metallic tone to match the case and dial elements.

Completing the look of this intriguing piece are the supplied durable black Velcro strap and rubber strap, which can be easily swapped with the steel bracelet using the quick strap-change mechanism on the back of the case.

The DEFY Extreme Mirror is available at ZENITH physical and online boutiques as well as authorized retailers around the world.

 

ZENITH: TIME TO REACH YOUR STAR.

ZENITH exists to inspire individuals to pursue their dreams and make them come true – against all odds. Since its establishment in 1865, ZENITH became the first vertically integrated Swiss watch manufacture, and its watches have accompanied extraordinary figures that dreamt big and strived to achieve the impossible – from Louis Blériot’s history-making flight across the English Channel to Felix Baumgartner’s record-setting stratospheric free-fall jump. Zenith is also highlighting visionary and trailblazing women by celebrating their accomplishments and creating the DREAMHERS platform where women share their experiences and inspire others to fulfil their dreams.

With innovation as its guiding star, ZENITH exclusively features in-house developed and manufactured movements in all its watches. Since the creation of the El Primero in 1969, the world’s first automatic chronograph calibre, ZENITH has gone on to master high-frequency precision and offers time measurements in fractions of a second, including 1/10th of a second in the Chronomaster collection and 1/100th of a second in the DEFY collection. Because innovation is synonymous with responsibility, the ZENITH HORIZ-ON initiative affirms the brand’s commitments to inclusion & diversity, sustainability and employee wellbeing. ZENITH has been shaping the future of Swiss watchmaking since 1865, accompanying those who dare to challenge themselves and reach new heights. The time to reach your star is now.

 

 

ZENITH THE DEFY REVIVAL A3691

Posted on by
Reply

ZENITH THE DEFY REVIVAL A3691 MARKS THE RETURN OF THE FIRST DEFY MODEL WITH A VIVIDLY COLOURED DIAL

After revisiting the very first DEFY wristwatch last year, ZENITH is unveiling the second model in its collection of faithfully reproduced iconic DEFY pieces with the DEFY Revival A3691 Revival, an important 1971 reference that took the audacious design a step further by initiating the collection’s historically extensive use of striking colours.

Returning to the essence of the DEFY collection and the historical references that continue to serve as a source of inspiration for the contemporary collection of the same name, ZENITH is unveiling the second DEFY Revival model with a remake of the A3691, based on the 1971 reference. With its vibrant red gradient-effect dial and rugged geometric case, the DEFY Revival A3691 becomes the first DEFY Revival model in the permanent collection.

 

1969 will forever be remembered as a major turning point for ZENITH. Not only did the Manufacture unveil the venerable El Primero calibre, but it also debuted the DEFY collection of wristwatches. Taking a firm stance against the onset of quartz watches that threatened to put traditional Swiss watchmaking in peril, ZENITH stood its ground by creating a timepiece with a singularly edgy design and ensured robustness that mass-produced electronic watches of the time simply could not rival.

One of the first models of this DEFY collection was the A3642, fittingly nicknamed the coffre-fort in French, which translates to “bank vault” or “safe-deposit box”. About two years later, ZENITH built on this daring design and introduced new colourful dials with a marked “vignette” effect that darkens towards the edges, including the A3691 with a deep red dial.

Reproduced in stunningly accurate detail using the historical production plans, the DEFY Revival A3691 brings back all the details and singular design elements that made the first-ever DEFY wristwatch model such an outstanding reference of its era; one which established the codes that continues to inspire the DEFY collection today. This includes a faceted octagonal case paired with a fourteen-sided bezel, a deep glossy red dial with a prominent vignette effect that darkens towards the edges, unusual applied square hour markers feature horizontal grooves, and the now-iconic Gay Frères steel “ladder” bracelet, which has now been updated with a more modern and ergonomic folding clasp.

 

In fact, the only cosmetic differences between the Revival and its progenitor are the sapphire crystal, the display case back and the type of luminescent pigments. The water-resistance of 30ATM (300 metres) has also been maintained from the original, even with the addition of a display back.

The other main difference beats away inside. Instead of the original’s solid case back emblazoned with a four-pointed star that became one of the brand’s logos and recurring design element for years, the DEFY Revival A3691 features a sapphire display back showing the automatic Elite 670 manufacture movement, operating at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 VpH) and providing an autonomy of 50 hours.

To the delight of collectors and unlike the DEFY Revival A3642, which was produced as a numbered limited edition, the DEFY Revival A3691 version is joining the permanent DEFY collection and will be available from ZENITH boutiques and authorised retailers around the world.

DEFY REVIVAL A3691

Reference: 03.A3642.670/3691.M3642

Key points: Original Revival of the Reference A3691.Octogonal case with iconic 14-sided bezel

Movement: ELITE 670 automatic

Frequency 28 800 VpH (4 Hz)

Power reserve approx. 50 hours

Functions: Hours and minutes in the centre. Central seconds hand. Date indication at 4:30

Finishes:  New star-shaped oscillating weight with satined finishings

Price 6900 CHF

Material: Stainless steel

Water resistance: 30 ATM

Case: 37 mm

Dial: Ruby gradient dial

Hour markers: Rhodium-plated and faceted

Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1

Bracelet & Buckle:  27.03.1816.M3642 Stainless steel “Ladder” bracelet.

ZENITH Defy Skyline Skeleton

Posted on by
Reply

ZENITH UNVEILS THE DEFY SKYLINE SKELETON AT LVMH WATCH WEEK AS THE WORLD’S FIRST SKELETON WATCH FEATURING A 1/10TH OF A SECOND INDICATOR

One year after the launch of the acclaimed DEFY Skyline collection, ZENITH is presenting its most elaborate skeleton watch to date and the only one in the world to feature a 1/10th of a second indicator at the annual LVMH Watch Week, which is taking place in Singapore for the first time.

More structured, more open, more stellar: ZENITH is expanding the DEFY Skyline collection with a new skeleton line that goes far beyond openworked. Introduced last year as the latest chapter in the enduring DEFY legacy of sturdy and singularly futuristic timekeepers, the DEFY Skyline collection was conceived for an ever-fast-moving world where every fraction of a second can be a decisive one. Drawing inspiration from modern cityscapes where structures and light are bound in a constantly moving interplay, the DEFY Skyline Skeleton reaches even further towards the light on the horizon and opens a whole new world of possibilities to what a skeleton watch can be.

The previous generation of the DEFY Skeleton had quickly risen to become one of ZENITH’s most sought-after creations, outstanding with its star-shaped open dial and incredible symmetry. Pushing the resolutely contemporary openworked design further and housed within a new more angular case, the DEFY Skyline Skeleton seamlessly integrates the open dial with an openworked version of the El Primero automatic movement in a most striking manner. Harmoniously symmetrical, the open dial takes on the form of a four-pointed stars, in a nod to the ZENITH “double Z” logo of the 1960s. The chapter ring’s applied baton hour markers as well as the central hour and minute hands are filled with Super-LumiNova for easy legibility; something that is usually sacrificed in skeleton watches. A constantly running 1/10th of a second counter at 6 o’clock makes steady jumps in fixed increments, completing one revolution every 10 seconds, a feature that’s unique in watchmaking to the new generation of the El Primero automatic high-frequency calibre. The open dial comes in black or blue, with the skeleton movement finished in the same colour as the open dials for a cohesive and architectural look.

Drawing inspiration from the unique octagonal geometry of the early DEFY models of the 1960s, the angular steel case of the DEFY Skyline Skeleton retains the same DNA of robustness and durability as its predecessors while bringing an edgier and more architectural aesthetic, as well as a host of new functions to the metropolis-ready companion. Fixed atop the 41mm stainless steel case with sharply defined edges, the faceted bezel is inspired by those from early DEFY models, reimagined with twelve sides that are positioned as extensions to the hour markers. With an emphasis on performance in the largest possible range of activities and situations, the screw-down crown emblazoned with the star emblem provides a water-resistance of 10 ATM (100 metres).

Visible from the front as well as the sapphire display back is the openworked version of the high-frequency automatic El Primero calibre, the 3620 SK. Built with a similar architecture as the El Primero 3600 1/10th of a second chronograph, this automatic manufacture movement drives the 1/10th of a second hand directly from the escapement, which beats at 5Hz (36’000 VpH), thus making it a “natural” fraction-of-a-second indication. It is also endowed with a stop-second mechanism for precise time-setting. Efficient in its performance, the automatic winding mechanism with bi-directional rotor with a star motif delivers a power reserve of approximately 60 hours.

With versatility at its core, the DEFY Skyline Skeleton comes on a steel bracelet with a satin-brushed surface with chamfered and polished edges, seamlessly flowing with the sharply faceted lines of the case. It also comes with a rubber strap and steel folding buckle with a starry sky pattern in continuity with the dial, made in blue rubber for the blue dial version and black rubber for the black dial. The wearer can easily switch between the steel bracelet and rubber strap without any tools, using the DEFY case’s ingenious quick strap-change mechanism consisting of secure buttons on the back.

Bringing a new dimension to the DEFY line and reimagining the possibilities of skeleton watches in form as well as function, the DEFY Skyline Skeleton is available at ZENITH boutiques and authorized retailers around the world.

DEFY SKYLINE SKELETON

Reference: 03.9300.3620/79.I001

Key points: El Primero 3-hand watch. High frequency indication : 1/10th of a second subdial at 6 o’clock. Silicon escape-wheel and lever. Screwed-in crown. Full Interchangeable strap system.

Movement: El Primero 3620, automatic

Frequency 36,000 VpH (5 Hz)

Power reserve approx. 60 hours

Functions: Hours and minutes in the centre. 1/10th of a second counter at 6 o’clock.

Finishes:  Special oscillating weight with satined finishings

Price 10900 CHF

Material: Stainless steel

Water resistance: 10 ATM

Case: 41mm

Dial: Blue-toned Openworked dial

Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1

Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1

Bracelet & Buckle: Stainless steel bracelet and folding clasp. Comes with a blue rubber strap with starry sky pattern and folding clasp.

Explore it at https://www.zenith-watches.com/int/brand/defy-skyline-skeleton